Off-duty officer helps trail on-the-run assault suspect at South Shields shops after finishing her shift

Police Community Support Officer Natalie Gibson had finished her shift and left Millbank Police Station in the town when she spotted a man in a vehicle near the Nook.

After thinking he looked familiar to a wanted man who had evaded police for a fortnight, PCSO Gibson put in a call to the neighbourhood policing team.

From there, with her colleagues on hands-free, she followed his vehicle and guided cops to the suspect’s location.

After placing him in handcuffs, police identified the 28-year-old as a suspect wanted in connection with an assault in South Shields last month.

He has since been charged with assault and is due to appear at Newcastle Crown Court later this year.

Chief Inspector Nicola Wearing has heaped praise on PCSO Gibson for following her instinct – despite having just finished a busy shift – to help bring one of the force’s wanted suspects into custody for questioning.

“This was a brilliant example of a PCSO going above and beyond – no doubt after a busy shift – to protect the communities we serve,” Ch Insp Wearing said.

“It would have been very easy for Natalie to ignore her instinct and not act on what she saw.

“Had Natalie not shown such incredible professionalism and determination to do the right thing, the suspect may have been successful in remaining under the radar.

“It fills me with pride to know that we have officers such as PCSO Gibson who are willing to work tirelessly – even when not on shift – in order to identify offenders and ultimately ensure South Tyneside remains a safe place to live and work.”

PCSO Gibson said: “I’m really pleased that we have now managed to locate and detain this suspect who was wanted in connection with an assault in the town” she added.

“I just did what anybody would have really.

"I thought I recognised the man in the car, so had no hesitation in contacting the team on shift and directing them to the suspect’s whereabouts.”